Goalie Jonathan Quick To Start Sochi Opener For US

Goaltender Jonathan Quick #32 of Team USA practices on day three of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Bolshoy Arena on February 10, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Goaltender Jonathan Quick #32 of Team USA practices on day three of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Bolshoy Arena on February 10, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

SOCHI, Russia (CBSNewYork/AP) — Jonathan Quick was sitting and stretching before practice when U.S. hockey coach Dan Bylsma skated toward him. Bylsma leaned over and told him he was starting against Slovakia in the Americans’ Olympic opener Thursday.

He’s more than ready to take on the challenge.

“I’m fortunate for the opportunity,” Quick said. “And I’ll just try to make the most of it.”

Bylsma declined to say who will be the team’s goaltender for the other preliminary-round games, which includes a key matchup with Russia on Saturday.

His save percentage ranks 29th among NHL goalies and he was out for nearly two months with a groin injury before returning to play in early January.

Miller ranks 10th in save percentage despite playing for the Buffalo Sabres, who easily have the worst record in the league.

Howard, who has been out during two stretches of the season with an injured left knee, is not expected to be in uniform much if at all during the Sochi Games. He ranks 24th in the NHL in save percentage, but has four-plus years of experience as a No. 1 goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings.

“We’re dealing with a position of strength when it comes to the goaltender decision,” Bylsma said.

Quick said it was a casual conversation with Bylsma when he found out he would make his first Olympic start.

“We’ve got a few great goalies here,” Quick said. “Each one probably deserves to play and can make a case for each of them in their own right. So, regardless of what his decision was, whatever your role is, you’re just trying to do what you can to help your team.”